Northern Ireland’s first private ambulance company Proparamedics has launched the north’s first off-road recovery ambulances.
The company said the two new vehicles form part of a £500,000 investment by its new owners, the Tullamore-based MCL Group.
Originally founded in 1999 by John Cunningham, Proparamedics was acquired in February by Medicall Ambulance Service, establishing a new parent company MCL Group.
The recent investment in the business includes the relocation from Weaver’s Court in Belfast to the Maryland Industrial Estate on the outskirts of the city.
Proparamedics said the new custom-made off-road recovery ambulances have been introduced “to operate where traditional vehicles cannot”.
It’s understood the business will seek to target outdoor events such as racecourses.
Proparamedics’ managing director, David Brophy said the new vehicles are part of an expanded fleet, which operate from its new premises as the private healthcare business seeks to scale its services across the north.
“The introduction of Northern Ireland’s first off-road recovery ambulances is a game-changer for event medical care and emergency access in remote locations,” he said.
“These vehicles allow our crews to reach patients in environments where standard ambulances simply cannot go.
“Alongside our investment in new premises, training facilities and fleet growth, they reinforce our commitment to delivering innovative, reliable and responsive medical services.”
MCL Group chairman, Paul M. ffrench-O’Carroll, the investment underscores the company’s ambitions.
“Proparamedics has a long and respected history of delivering outstanding care, and this investment is a clear demonstration of our commitment to supporting its continued growth and introduction of new innovations within private ambulance provision,” he said.
“Establishing a modern, strategically located headquarters not only enhances operational capability but also reinforces our mission to build the strongest, most advanced private ambulance provider on the island of Ireland.
“This is just phase one of our growth plan. In the New Year, our state-of-the-art training facility will expand our ability to equip and educate people at all levels – something that is central to the MCL Group vision.”
